Capacitance sensitive switch and switch array
US5508700A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 1994 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/960715
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A capacitance-sensitive switch unit including a capacitive element operable to produce an effective capacitance dependent upon the physical proximity of objects relative thereto, a first selector signal input connected to the capacitive element to enable a first input signal to charge the effective capacitance, a threshold signal producing circuit connected to the capacitive element, for producing a threshold signal which is rendered active when the effective capacitance charges to a pre-defined potential, a switching circuit for selectively connecting the capacitive element to the threshold signal producing circuit in response to a switching signal and a discharge control circuit connected to the capacitive element, for selectively discharging the effective capacitance independently of the input signal, in response to a discharge signal. Also disclosed is a switch array employing structure similar to the above.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.